Haines City has appointed Darrell Wilson as its new public safety director, placing him in charge of both the city's police and fire departments.
A Bartow native, Wilson, 58, replaces Joe Halman Jr., who became city manager on July 21.
Wilson is the former deputy chief of the Bartow Police Department, which also recently lost Police Chief Stephen Walker after he was confronted with a "credible" complaint against him and resigned without admitting any wrongdoing.
Wilson had been identified as one of two top candidates for the Bartow police chief position before he accepted an offer with Haines City.
Wilson officially began serving in his new role on Sept. 8, a Haines City news release said. As the public safety director, he will oversee operations for the Haines City police and fire departments, "providing strategic leadership and coordination across the city's public safety services."
His salary was not immediately available from Haines City.
Wilson brings more than three decades of experience to the position. Before his stint with Bartow Police Department, he was chief of the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations within the Florida Department of Financial Services' Criminal Investigations Division.
His law enforcement career also includes 16 years with the Plant City Police Department, where he served from 1993 to 2009 and advanced to the rank of captain. During his tenure, he worked in patrol, investigations and support services, overseeing functions that included the 911 Center, property and evidence management, records, extra-duty management and information services.
Wilson holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management and a master's degree in management from Warner University. He is also a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Senior Leadership Program, Class 11, and the FBI LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute.
Wilson also serves as a member of the Polk County Police Chiefs Association and as an assessor for the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. He also served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army and four years in the U.S. Army Reserve.
"I am honored to accept the appointment as public safety director for the City of Haines City," Wilson said in a prepared statement. "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service as we work to advance the safety and well-being of our community. It is a privilege to lead our dedicated public safety personnel, and I look forward to fostering strong collaboration, transparency and innovation as we continue to ensure a secure and resilient Haines City."
Halman said Wilson's experience made him a strong choice to lead the city's public safety operations.
"Darrell Wilson's extensive experience in law enforcement and collaboration with fire personnel brings valuable knowledge, leadership and dedication to public safety," Halman said. "His commitment to serving Haines City will be a tremendous asset as we continue advancing public safety, collaboration and progress for our community."
In January, Bartow had selected two individuals as deputy chiefs, Wilson and current Interim Police Chief Kyle Dowdy. The pair were named deputy chiefs after an extensive recruitment process and partnership between the city and search firm Strategic Government Resources.
But with Wilson's decision to take the Haines City job less than nine months later, Dowdy, 43, remains as the highest ranking member of the law enforcement agency. He earns $59.22 per hour (or roughly $123,177 annually). Both men started with Bartow on Jan. 26.
On Aug. 24, Bartow City Manager Michael Herr issued a letter of reassurance and thanks to the department members, as the city again does an external and internal search for new leaders.
"I appreciate DC Dowdy's willingness to assist in this transition and trust that you will give him the respect and exemplary performance that defines this agency," Herr wrote to the agency's members.
"While some may view these departures as setbacks, I hope you will join me in viewing them as an opportunity to move ever closer to the Department's vision to build a safer Bartow through strong community partnerships, open communication, and proactive policing – creating a city where trust, respect and collaboration between officers and residents are the foundation of public safety," he wrote.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Haines City nabs Bartow deputy police chief as public safety director